HOLOGIC/CONFIRMA TO DISTRIBUTE CADSTREAM MRI CAD SYSTEM.

Hologic, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOLX) and Confirma, Inc. are partnering to provide the mammography market with new tools for reading breast MRI studies. Mammographers are increasingly interested in reading breast MRI studies and providing their patients with integrated, multi - modality test results. The new agreement gives Hologic non-exclusive distribution rights for CADstream, Confirma's computer-aided-detection (CAD) system which automates the processing of data-intensive breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and assists radiologists with study interpretation. Confirma is also completing the integration of its CADstream-processed breast MRI studies and system to function with Hologic's full-field digital Lorad Selenia system, to provide simultaneous mammography and breast MRI study viewing capability. This ability to view a breast MRI study in a similar position (or plane) as a mammogram should provide more detailed information in one review session.

Confirma launched CADstream, the first CAD application designed exclusively for breast MRI, in January 2003. The CADstream platform is initially applied to breast MRI, which is being used more widely for determining the extent of breast disease (staging), evaluating surgical margins and monitoring response to treatment. Breast MRI is also recommended by the American Cancer Society and an increasing number of leading researchers as an adjunct to mammography for patients known to be at high risk for breast cancer. A population that may include up to 8.5 million women in the U.S.

"This agreement with Confirma provides an excellent opportunity for us to make CADstream's superb technology available to our established market base, mammography professionals in women's imaging centers and hospitals throughout the United States," said Jack W. Cumming, Hologic's chairman and CEO. "We believe radiologists will realize significant clinical and economic benefits using breast MRI with CADstream's automated image processing functions, including image registration."

As clinical indications and study numbers expand, the amount of data produced per breast MRI exam has increased tremendously, with exams often producing 800 images. Physicians and MRI technologists spend a significant amount of time-sometimes one to two hours-manually processing and interpreting a breast MRI study. CADstream automates breast MR image processing functions and corrects for patient movement that may occur during a study acquisition. The result for radiology clinics is standardization in processing and interpretation, as well as enhancement of breast MRI study economics and quality control.

Cumming added, "Putting better efficiency tools in the hands of the healthcare professionals can enhance the interpretation of breast imaging studies, ultimately resulting in improved patient care. We are pleased to add CADstream to our suite of product offerings, which are intended for use in the detection and fight against breast cancer. Confirma is an exciting CAD software company with a very flexible, expandable platform and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with them."

"We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Hologic, an innovative developer of state-of-the-art digital imaging technology and recognized industry leader in the manufacture and distribution of mammography systems with superior image quality. Hologic's Lorad mammography product line has a rich history of innovative leading-edge technology for breast cancer detection. This distribution agreement will complement Confirma's direct sales force, making breast MRI and CADstream more easily accessible to mammographers, the physicians who are currently leading the growth in breast MRI study numbers," said Max Lyon, president and CEO, Confirma, Inc. "CADstream makes breast MRI feasible in a mammography setting and assists women's imaging centers in making breast MRI more accessible to women who can benefit from this valuable study."

Hologic's product offerings include the Lorad Selenia(TM), the industry's only FDA-approved full field digital mammography system using direct capture technology and the M-IV and Affinity Series of screen-film mammography systems. The company also provides both upright and prone stereotactic breast biopsy systems.

CADstream, Confirma's first product, automates image processing of breast MRI studies; its analysis is based on the behavior over time of an IV-injected contrast agent. Automated features include image registration that corrects for patient movement, subtraction images, angiogenesis maps, real-time dynamic curves, multiplanar reformatting, maximum intensity projections (MIPs) and enhancing tissue volume summaries. CADstream automatically detects breast MRI studies once they are acquired, processes the studies according to customized, site-specific settings and then sends the study data to any networked PACS or PC for review and interpretation.

About Confirma

Confirma, Inc. develops and markets computer-aided-detection (CAD) systems for medical imaging study analysis. Confirma's product, CADstream, is the first CAD system designed for MRI. CADstream provides higher quality imaging studies, lower costs for radiology practices, and improved communication tools for physicians and patients. In its initial application, CADstream is being used to assist in the analysis of breast MRI; the company plans future applications for other medical imaging studies. Confirma was recently awarded the 2003 Entrepreneurial Company Award by Frost & Sullivan for its innovative CAD technology.

For more information, visit http://www.confirma.com or call 877/976-1226 or 425/576-3241.

About Hologic

Hologic, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of medical imaging systems dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of women, and a leading developer of state-of-the-art digital imaging technology for general radiography and mammography applications. Hologic's core business units are focused on osteoporosis assessment, mammography and breast biopsy, direct-to- digital X-ray for general radiography applications and mini C-arm imaging for orthopedic applications.

For more information, visit http://www.hologic.com or call 781/999-7300.